Engineers urge better maths, science teaching

Professional engineers are pushing for improvements to science and mathematics teaching in South Australian schools, so that students are better equipped to consider engineering as a career.

Engineering Australia has warned that declining standards will lead to a shortage of engineers.

SA president Bill Filmer says he wants to work with the State Government to develop better training programs for teachers.

"We believe we can actually help in that regard so that they can not only confidently explain the subject matter, but they can actually explain the relevance of why they're learning mathematical and science concepts and how it actually relates to being able to manufacture, develop systems so that they can actually be useful contributors to the defence and mining industries going forward," he said.

"We're going to need students in schools who are coming out at the other end with the right qualifications and they need to have an appreciation of mathematics and science and technology and especially engineering, so that we have enough people to be able to develop the state and realise those strategic goals that the State Government has put in place."